Abstract This paper discusses color vision in cockatiels. A clinical trial is conducted to determine the presence or absence of color vision in cockatiels. Habitat and social behavior of the cockatiel is discussed, including the role that color vision plays in that behavior.
From the Paper "Birds communicate with each other and with the world around them mainly through hearing and vision. Because of this, birds? sight and hearing are their most important ? and most sensitive ? senses. Birds? sense of smell and taste are poorly developed in comparison to humans?. This experiment is designed to examine the ways in which birds see colors and how this is useful to their survival."
Abstract The paper discuses the ways sensory neurons differ from other cells of the body. Their structure is detailed especially the dendrites, axons and neurotransmitters.
From the Paper "Sensory Neurons are everywhere in your body. Without them, a task as simple as walking would be utterly impossible. Sensory Neurons take information from all over the body and bring it to the brain for processing and interpretation. They can run from a receptor cell in a receptor organ (the eye for example) to another Sensory Neuron or they can run between two Sensory Neurons."
Abstract One of the most interesting areas of scientific research these days is the brain. This paper discusses the important cerebral functions of memory storage and development of reality and consciousness. It shows how the brain is capable of storing past events in one of its several compartments, but it has to be done efficiently or else past events would encroach upon recent ones thus blurring the boundaries between conscious and unconscious worlds.
From the Paper "But while man does need to be able to recall past events, it is equally important for him to be able to separate past from present. For this he needs to know what reality is and where he is today and now. This may appear rather puzzling to someone who has just undertaken the study of brain, but it is nonetheless worth pondering. How does man know who he is and what reality actually is? In other words, in order to qualify as a normal rational human being, man needs to be able to separate conscious reality from the unconscious. But consciousness is not something tangible, it is one of those cerebral functions that cannot be explained in concert terms."
This paper presents electron paramagnetic resonance and oxygen binding studies of -nitrosyl hemoglobin - a novel oxygen carrier having NO (Nitric Oxide) assisted allosteric functions.
Abstract This paper shows that Nitric Oxide (NO) is a very popular compound to investigate in the scientific community today. It is physiologically ubiquitous as a potent vasodilator, neurotransmitter, and immuno-active agent at low concentrations and it is produced and recycled in the respiratory tract to regulate the airway. This paper discusses in detail the mechanism behind oxygen binding and release by hemoglobin as it relates NO bound to the Hemoglobin. The oxygen affinity dynamics of native Hemoglobin and nitrosylated Hb are compared. The research also reveals that although NO has a much higher affinity than oxygen or carbon monoxide for Hemoglobin, NO behaves differently than these other ligands and is not as toxic to normal Hb oxygen binding as previously assumed.
From the Paper "Small, unicellular aerobic organisms can obtain oxygen required for metabolism by simple diffusion from the environment. Most multicellular organisms have too great a surface area and many cells not in contact with the environment. They require circulatory systems that transport oxygen from gas-exchange organs to other tissues. In vertebrates, oxygen is bound to molecules of Hemoglobin (Hb) or transport in Red Blood Cells. Mammalian Hemoglobin is a tetramer, consisting of four polypeptide chains; two a and two b. Six ligands are coordinated to the ferrous iron, with the ligands in octahedral geometry around the metal cation (figure 1). In aqueous solution, free heme does not does not reversibly bind oxygen. Instead the Fe(II) is rapidly oxidized to Fe(III) when it gives up an electron to oxygen. The quaternary structure of hemoglobin prevents formal transfer of an electron and allows it to reversibly bind O2. Positively charged amino acid residues stabilize to negatively charged diatomic oxygen without an ionic bond. Hemoglobin unbound to oxygen is called deoxyhemoglobin and has a low affinity for oxygen. Once one oxygen molecule binds to the Fe, the proximal Histadine (figure 1) moves closer to the porphyrin ring because the Fe is now bound to six ligands instead of five. This disrupts the stabilizing ions that interact with Hb. The remaining Heme groups have an increased affinity for Oxygen. In addition to this positive cooperatively of binding, allosteric interactions regulate the binding and release of oxygen by Hb (Horton, 1996)."
Abstract Electrochemical gradients are essential for biologic processes including but not limited to neuronal signaling, respiration, and osmoregulation. The Sodium-Potassium (Na/K) pump is one of the most well characterized structures for actively establishing these gradients. The current generated by the Na/K pump can be calculated by measuring the current required from an external source to bring the gradient (Voltage difference) created by the pump to zero. An increase in temperature has shown to increase the current generated by the Na/K pump with a slope of 12.5A/Co and a Q10 value of 1.72. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) also known as anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), acts to increase the activity of the enzyme regulated pump. At a constant temperature, a 10-fold increase in current was measured across the AVT treated skin in comparison to the baseline AVT absent skin preparation.
From the Paper "The plasma membranes of cells contain pumps that drive out sodium from the cell and incorporate potassium into the cell. Physiologically, the blood plasma has a higher sodium concentration than the cytoplasm and conversely the cytoplasm has a highly potassium concentration than the plasma. Under these conditions, the Na/K pump is acting against a concentration gradient is therefore an active ATPase dependent process. Since the pump is under enzymatic regulation, we expect its activity to be governed by typical enzyme kinetics responding directly to changes in temperature and agents (such as hormones) that manipulate enzyme activity. It is also important to note that the Na/K pump pumps a net 3 Na+ ions out of the cell for every 2 K+ in. This creates a resting voltage potential across the membrane (1). The resistance of the channel allows for the net current across the pump to be measured indirectly by introducing an external voltage equal and opposite of the resting membrane potential created by the Na/K pump. Using the Ussing technique, a voltage clamp and Ohm's law, we can derive the current generated by the Na/K pump under various conditions (2)."
Abstract This concise paper looks at the evolution of man from the earliest Australopithecus through to the three branches of the "family tree" to the dead end species of neanderthalensis, and finally to modern homo sapiens.The paper includes graphs.
From the Paper "My phylogeny begins with the base species of Ardipithecus ramidus (sometimes known as Australopithecus ramidus) is the earliest known fossil of a hominid found, dating back to around 4.5 million years ago (mya) small hominid that stood upright, had teeth and skull closer and similar to that of apes, this gives them a closer lineage to those of chimpanzees than to humans."
Abstract This paper examines how technological advances have changed the field of genetic engineering, with special emphasis placed on the field of food. The author gives a brief history of the field of genetic engineering and its evolution over the years. The paper discusses the importance of plants in developing food for humans and details how scientists have worked to perfect this process. The many different problems that have arisen from genetic engineering are detailed, and the author also details some suggestions that may help prevent these problems from recurring, including tighter regulations by the FDA. The author feels that if there was more government intervention then the advantages would begin to outweigh the disadvantages in this growing field.
From the Paper "Genetic engineering in plant species, meanwhile, is encouraged and has been in practice for many years. The process of modifying a plant's genetic make-up is encouraged because these kinds of study and process helps in providing new means by which people can obtain food, since plants are the primary source of food that humans consume. In order to make plants efficient in their food production, scientists have found ways by which particular plant specie will acquire a characteristic that will make the newly developed plant superior or better than its "parent" specie. The modifications commonly used in genetic engineering of plants are the increasing variety of rice grains, wherein certain plants or crops are described as immune to pests or any kind of diseases, has greater life and not susceptible to certain afflictions that destroys plant life and development, and are more adaptive to several conditions such as changes in climate, soil type, or fertilizers used."
Abstract An insight into the history of Artemia cultivation (shrimp production) including an explanation of different types and analysis of the ideal conditions for their breeding.
From the Paper "Prior to 1950 mariculture involved trapping baby fish and shrimps during high tides in ponds with gates built on mudflats. Many years of research have led to improved and more efficient systems. Now, most oyster, mussel, shrimp and seaweed culture are of semi-intensive type. This has been accomplished by artificial breeding of superior stock. Artificial feed has been developed to maximize health and growth. Many improvements have been made in the health and management of shrimp and other cultured species (FAO, 1999). This has been largely due to an increasingly larger demand. In 1997, approximately 50% of all mariculture is preformed by way of mudflat culture in which a building is built in a pond in a mudflat. This is used for artemia as well as fish (FAO, 1999). "
Abstract Physical growth rates among infants vary greatly; therefore parents should not compare the physical growth of their infants with that of another child believes the author of this paper. The author also believes that physical development or maturity (maturation) cannot be taught to an infant but rather is dependent on the development of the baby's muscles and bones.
Tables of Contents
General Appearance
Infant Skin
Movement and Mobility
Strength
Bones
Physical Development
From the Paper "During the study of physical development of infants, it was found that the growth in all infants is not always the same. Babies grow at his or her own rate and learn things according to his or her own capabilities and environment. It is therefore advisable to the parents to not to compare the growth of their infants with that of the other as the growth rate among children vary to a considerable extent."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of soybean consumption in cancer prevention. A review of the relevant literature on the anti carcinogenic activity of soybeans is presented. A proposal for a research study to determine the effects on cancer prevention of providing a soy-rich diet for cattle used for human consumption is offered.
From the Paper "Soybeans are used for human consumption as well as animal consumption. It is put through a heat process so that the nutritional value is enhanced. ?The so-called protease inhibitors have received the most attention in this regard and have been shown to exert their antinutritional effect in the short term by causing pancreatic hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the rat, the underlying cause for an inhibition of growth in these animals(Liener, 2000). The prolonged feeding of raw soy flour or an enriched trypsin inhibitor fraction from soybeans to rats results in the development of hyperplastic and neoplastic nodules of the pancreas, including carcinomas(Liener, 2000). It should be emphasized that all of these adverse effects are seen when protease inhibitors are present in relatively high concentrations in the diet and may be completely unrelated to the anticarcinogenic effects seen at low concentrations of the Bowman-Birk inhibitor(Liener, 2000).?"
Addresses the question whether the patent for the cloning process, currently awaiting approval in the U.S. patent office, covers human cloning in its definition.
Abstract This paper discusses whether the cloning procedure can be patented. The arguments of those who claim that current patent law may include humans, and those opposing this claim, are presented. The legal issues facing the U.S. Patent and Trade Office are outlined.
From the Paper "An article published in the New York Times, on May 17, 2002, entitled "Debate on Human Cloning Turns to Patents" presents both sides of an issue raised over whether a patent request, currently in the US patent office, covers human cloning in its definition. The article presents both sides of the issue. The author himself takes no position, but only presents the arguments presented on both sides of the issue. Neither side presents a clear, well supported, independent argument or dependent argument. They both rely on pseudoarguments to make their appeals.
The two opposing positions can be summarized as follows. The pro-cloning patent side, who coincidentally are the inventors of the procedure in question, argue that they wish to hold the patent so that no one actually uses it for humans. Currently the procedure is only being used for pigs (Pollack, 2002). . They argue the fine points of the language, in that it covers all "mammals" and humans are mammals. Their logic is that if the patent covers mammals, and humans are mammals, then the patent covers humans. This is a dependent argument, but is not clearly supported. Previous patents on cloning specifically excluded cloning humans, this one did not. It specifically mentions the use of human eggs."
Abstract This paper presents an assessment, history, signs, symptoms and treatment of the disorders of the pericardium - the part of the body which holds the heart to the major veins and arteries at its base and attaches to the sternum, and to the diaphragm. The author also makes use of illustrations.
From the Paper "It holds the heart in position as it pumps and provides the cardiac muscle with a protective cover. Within the fibrous pericardium is a pair of serous membranes. The inner surface is the parietal and the other that covers the hearts' surface, is the visceral. The sac contains a thin layer of fluid that permits the heart to move with minimal friction during the cardiac cycle. The fibrous pericardium and its inner serous lining are known as the pericardial sac, while the visceral is also call the epicardium (Nowak, Handford, 1999, p 231). Three pathologic responses to injury are; acute pericarditis, pericardial effusion and constrictive pericarditis."
Abstract An overall description of the hawk, which is a generic term for the more than 250 species of these predatory birds. This paper discusses their navigational tools, mating rituals, methods of reproduction and parental roles, as well as their self-defense and territoriality.
From the Paper "Belonging to the order Falconiformes, hawk is a generic term for the more than 250 species of these predatory birds. (Encarta) Hawks are nocturnal, and are of small- to medium-size. Hawks are found on all continents except for Antarctica, and their preferred habitat varies greatly depending on their exact species. (Encarta) The hawk is a complex bird, with distinct methods of communication, which can also vary depending on species. There are three main types of hawks ? accipiters (woodland hawks); falcons; and buteos (soaring hawks), with varying physical characteristics. (Encarta)"
Abstract This paper examines the process of classification or division of a whole entity into numerous specific groups. It shows how dividing organizations, government, studies, written works and species of plants and animals into specific categories allows for more complete or focused attention to be applied to specifically functioning members within the given macrocosm. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of the human body into categories such as skeletal, muscular, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Each system has a specific job, but all systems work together in order to keep the body alive and properly functioning. This paper shows how classification, separation and combined efforts of the human body has been used as the model after which societies, governments and their militia have been formed.
From the Paper "Whether focus is upon a government structure, a company, a military structure or upon the individual human body, specific compartmental functions can be singled out and identified. Although no specific function can truly be described as being greater than another function, the overall entity will not be able to operate smoothly without the specific capabilities exerted by even the seemingly smallest of its divisions. The briefest of trips to a doctor's office will reveal a cosmos within a cosmos that is so complex, various medical specialties have come about in order to treat the individual categories more completely."
Abstract This paper gives an insight into the principles of genetic engineering since its first concept by an Austrian monk named Gregor Mendel. It discusses how selective engineering of genetics is invaluable to the health and happiness of humans and how the importance of this issue has played second fiddle to the arguments, for and against genetic engineering for years. Examples are provided to argue the positive side of regeneration and to show how in time, genetic disorders such as "Down Syndrome" and "Multiple Sclerosis" could be made diseases of the past.
From the Paper "Even though there are a lot of risks, the possibilities of what we can do are endless. Genetic engineering should be allowed to progress because of the benefits for human beings outweigh the consequences. For example, cows could be genetically cloned to produce milk with medications in it. This means that vaccination shots and pills would become obsolete. Babies could be brought up immune to diseases by simply being fed milk. Imagine what this could mean for people who live in countries like Somalia. Whole countries could be made healthy and immune to disease."
Tags: dolly, cloning, regeneration, disease, dna, cancer
